Definition

Phrasal Verb: * To reach a decision; to decide: This phrase means to choose between options or to form a definite opinion or intention after considering the possibilities.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used when a person or group stops being undecided and chooses a specific course of action or forms a final opinion. It is intransitive and does not take a direct object. The decision itself is often introduced with a clause or a prepositional phrase.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used in the negative or in questions to emphasize indecision.
  • He just can't seem to make up his mind.
  • Have you made up your mind yet?
• It can be used with a reflexive pronoun () to emphasize the personal nature of the decision.

Variants and Related Words

• Makeup (n): Cosmetics applied to the face. (Note: This is a distinct, unrelated noun.)
• Mind (n): The element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; intellect or consciousness.
• Make up (phrasal verb): This is a separate, highly versatile phrasal verb with many meanings (e.g., to invent, to reconcile, to constitute, to apply cosmetics). Do not confuse it with "make up one's mind."

Synonyms

• Decide: To come to a conclusion or resolution.
• Determine: To settle or decide firmly.
• Choose: To select from a number of possibilities.
• Resolve: To decide firmly on a course of action.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Make up (for): To compensate for something.
  • He worked hard to make up for the lost time.
• Make up (with): To reconcile after an argument.
  • They finally made up after their fight.

Related Idioms

• Be in two minds (about something): To be unable to decide between two options; to be undecided.
  • I'm in two minds about accepting the job offer.
• Change one's mind: To alter one's decision or opinion.
  • I was going to leave, but I changed my mind.

Verb

1. reach, make, or come to a decision about something
   • We finally decided after lengthy deliberations